Fifth-tier Resolvers. I suppose this is the threshold where a Resolver truly begins to make a name for themselves. I've heard that even the established associations start extending scout offers once you reach this level.
The two standing before me certainly qualify. My mother is a veteran of healing Arts, specializing in rear-line support, and my father is well-regarded among information Resolvers.
Of course, I’m not entirely sure how much I can trust their own claims. But their resolver licenses—those ID cards—look legitimate enough, so I’ll take them at their word for now.
"More importantly, our son actually brought a friend home! How long has it been, darling?"
It's taken him years just to bring one friend home...?
This guy... he’s the real deal. And he’s pretty handsome, too.
"Have you had dinner yet, or will you be staying the night? I only have the old blankets, but..."
"Uh... well..."
"We’ll stay the night."
I can’t turn down an offer for a base of operations. Thanks.
"Is that so? Then, how did you two become friends?"
"Well, I found him getting mugged in the alley below and rescued him. He said he only came up here to get some ointment."
"So... you've only just met?"
"Sometimes a single act of kindness resonates more than years of vague acquaintance. I guess that’s what happened."
"I see... what a rare child."
"Indeed. It reminds me of my own childhood!"
"You weren’t nearly this handsome or cute, you know?"
Were those two childhood friends who married? True love indeed!
"But why did Sua run off? Did you two argue?"
"That was because of me. Um, there was some talk concerning the Sword Sect."
"Ah... I see. Lately, she’s been causing more chaos down south... Anyone who remembers how she used to be can only sigh..."
It seems I’m not the only one who misses the past.
"Then... should I go get her?"
"Giving her a little time alone might be best. Just call her when it’s time for dinner."
That might be for the best. That offhand insult probably stung her pretty hard.
"We’ll head to our room then."
As we followed Yu Ji-hyeon to the room, I noticed something: in his father’s files was the exact same portrait as our target.
A large scar under the eye. A middle-aged man of the Liprova tribe. A possessor of Electric Arts.
The description matched the photo Moejang had shown me earlier perfectly.
"What do they know to talk like that? It’s so annoying."
I know. The Sword Sect isn’t what my grandfather once stood for.
"Hey, they say his grandfather served the Sword Sect."
"Really? Our uncle said the Sword Sect robbed his shop last time."
"Really? My aunt too..."
The proud Sword Sect that my grandfather protected wasn’t like this!
"What do they know... I’m really sick of it."
"Is that so? What’s got you so irritated?"
What are they talking about? I’ve never even seen these kids before...
Fzzzzt!
"One assignment done. Three left, right?"
"Dinner’s almost ready. Shall we go find her?"
He’s so late... I’m just going for the free dinner.
"Sorry, kids. Order delivery with your own money. Something urgent came up."
Huh? Suddenly?
They grabbed the files and rushed out. I guess...
"Hese. No, Sinclair. I think it’s time for us to work, don’t you?"
"...Yeah."
"W-Wait, what is this?!"
Ji-hyeon’s voice cried out from behind. Turning, I saw a photo sent by someone, labeled as being from Sua.
A dimly lit container. People bloodied and beaten. Terrified children.
"...What is this?"
The atmosphere of the image was clearly wrong.
"Hey, what is this? Where is this?"
"I don’t know. Ah... Dad’s gear!"
Before I could ask why, he dashed off and returned with a laptop marked with the number 7.
"Dad belongs to the Seven Association, the intelligence-focused organization. They have programs to track a target’s location. It’s seldom used now under the new account laws, but..."
Good. No need for pointless detours.
"So you’re going? To rescue her?"
"I’m not trying to stop you. But let me come too."
"Wait. You know where we’re going, right?"
"It’s a site crawling with criminal groups. Even we can’t guarantee her safety there."
"...I know. But the closer we get, the easier it is to pinpoint Sua’s exact location."
"...Tch. I won’t be responsible if you die. Here, take a hoodie! Sinclair, put one on too!"
"Huh... Ha... Ha... Fine. Let’s go."
The location is an abandoned scrapyard to the north. It’s a bit of a detour, but...
"If we go through the back alleys, we can get there quickly."
Alleyway know-how never goes to waste.
"Let’s go. Mission start."
The Magpie and the Hawk drew their swords. The night of the Sword Sect had arrived.
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